Is your website accessible? I don't mean can people find it, or navigate it easily, I mean does it meet up to the requirements of the new Equality Act 2010?
While the media did a great job of highlighting some of the perhaps less common-sense aspects of this new bill, as far as I'm aware the implications for website owners went largely unreported, except in techie publications.
In essence, what the new bill means is that you need to make reasonable efforts to ensure that all potential visitors can view your site in whichever way they prefer. The most obvious example of this is that people with visual impairments should be able to change font size, colours and contrast so they can read your website without struggling. You also need to ensure that it is visible on different devices, from large screen TVs to tiny screened mobile phones; and that it can be printed easily. There are other aspects to consider too.
At Blue Horizons, we make sure that all our new websites meet required accessibility standards. This doesn't cost anything extra - it's a must, so is included in the price.
If you're not sure if your website does meet the required standards (there are penalities if it doesn't), then ask your website developer, or alternatively we'd be happy to take a look at it and advise you.
For a more in-depth look at this issue, with tips and advice, keep an eye out for our article in Dentistry magazine.
